hodler

20 Mar 2026, 06:11

Bitcoin price today: steadies near $71k after tumbling on oil spike, hawkish Fed

20 Mar 2026, 06:10

Bitcoin BIP-110 Debate Erupts as F2Pool Co-founder Condemns Dangerous Ideological Shift

BitcoinWorld Bitcoin BIP-110 Debate Erupts as F2Pool Co-founder Condemns Dangerous Ideological Shift A prominent mining executive has ignited a fierce debate within the Bitcoin community, accusing staunch supporters of a core protocol proposal of fostering a damaging religious ideology that stifles progress. Wang Chun, co-founder of the global mining pool F2Pool, launched a pointed critique on social media platform X, targeting what he describes as a dogmatic faction within Bitcoin maximalism. His comments specifically address the ongoing controversy surrounding Bitcoin Improvement Proposal 110 (BIP-110), a technical upgrade that has become a symbolic battleground for the soul of the world’s first cryptocurrency. This clash highlights a fundamental tension between preserving Bitcoin’s original design and adapting it for a broader technological future. Bitcoin BIP-110 Proposal Sparks Core Philosophical Divide At the heart of the controversy lies BIP-110, a formal proposal to establish a Peer-to-Peer Encrypted Transport Layer for the Bitcoin network. Proponents argue this layer enhances privacy and security for node communication. However, the debate has transcended its technical merits. For many, BIP-110 represents a purity test. Supporters often view it as essential for maintaining Bitcoin’s decentralized and secure base layer, or “Layer 1.” Conversely, opponents frequently advocate for building scalability and complex functionality—like decentralized finance (DeFi)—on secondary networks, or “Layer 2” solutions like the Lightning Network. Wang Chun’s criticism centers on the rhetoric used by some BIP-110 advocates. He asserts they frame any alternative development path not just as inferior, but as a hostile attack. This framing, he argues, replaces technical discourse with moral condemnation. F2Pool Co-founder Wang Chun Issues Blunt Critique In his detailed social media post, Wang Chun, whose pool controls a significant portion of Bitcoin’s global hash rate, did not mince words. He stated that certain factions have transformed Bitcoin from a “revolutionary economic idea” into a “quasi-religious ideology.” This shift, according to Wang, has practical consequences. He claimed that attempts to discuss scalability or new functionality are often dismissed out of hand as “altcoin propaganda.” This defensive posture, he suggested, serves to conceal a lack of substantive innovation from within certain maximalist circles. Furthermore, Wang contrasted this stance with developments elsewhere in the blockchain ecosystem. He noted that while other sectors actively build DeFi applications, privacy tools, and payment infrastructure, some Bitcoin maximalists remain preoccupied with acting as “gatekeepers.” Their primary focus, he argued, seems to be maintaining a confrontational stance rather than solving tangible user problems like transaction costs or speed. The Historical Context of Bitcoin’s Governance Battles This is not Bitcoin’s first major ideological schism. The community has a long history of heated debates over its technical direction. The most famous example remains the “Blocksize War” of 2015-2017, a conflict over increasing the data limit per block to allow more transactions. That battle ultimately led to a hard fork, creating Bitcoin Cash. Similarly, the adoption of Segregated Witness (SegWit) in 2017 was a protracted and contentious process. These events established a pattern where technical upgrades become proxies for deeper philosophical disagreements about decentralization, security, and usability. The BIP-110 discussion fits squarely within this tradition. It raises familiar questions: Should Bitcoin’s base layer remain minimal and immutable, or should it evolve to incorporate more features directly? The table below summarizes key past and present debates: Debate Core Issue Outcome Blocksize War (2015-2017) Increasing transaction throughput on Layer 1 Hard fork creating Bitcoin Cash; Bitcoin retained small blocks. SegWit Adoption (2017) Fixing transaction malleability and enabling Layer 2 Activated after long debate; enabled Lightning Network. Taproot Upgrade (2021) Enhancing privacy and smart contract flexibility Successfully activated with broad consensus. BIP-110 / Layer 2 Focus (Present) Base layer utility vs. building on secondary layers Ongoing ideological and technical debate. Experts note that while past debates were often heated, the current discourse carries new stakes. The cryptocurrency landscape in 2025 is vastly more competitive. Ethereum and other smart contract platforms have captured significant market share in DeFi and NFTs. This external pressure intensifies internal discussions about Bitcoin’s role. Is it purely “digital gold,” or should it also be a platform for innovation? Wang Chun’s comments reflect a growing concern that ideological rigidity could leave Bitcoin behind. Analyzing the Impact on Bitcoin’s Development Trajectory The repercussions of this ideological clash extend beyond online arguments. Development momentum, investor perception, and miner alignment are all at play. Firstly, developer activity could be affected. Talented programmers may choose to work on more permissive chains if they feel their contributions to Bitcoin are met with ideological hostility rather than technical review. Secondly, the narrative impacts institutional adoption. Large entities considering Bitcoin for treasury reserves or payment systems may be wary of a community perceived as fractious and resistant to improvement. Finally, miners like F2Pool play a crucial role. They signal support for upgrades by running specific software. A divide between large mining pools and vocal community factions can lead to stagnation. Key points of impact include: Development Pace: Fear of community backlash may slow down or halt proposal submissions. Network Effects: A “walled garden” mentality could limit integration with broader fintech and Web3 ecosystems. Security Model: Over-reliance on a single, unchanged protocol could have unforeseen long-term security implications if cryptography advances. Industry analysts observing the situation stress the importance of separating zealotry from principled defense. Protecting Bitcoin’s core value propositions—decentralization, censorship-resistance, and sound monetary policy—is universally seen as critical. However, the method of that defense is now in question. Is it through absolute preservation of the status quo, or through careful, consensus-driven evolution that addresses real-world needs? The community’s answer will shape Bitcoin’s next decade. Conclusion The critique from F2Pool’s Wang Chun has sharply illuminated a persistent fault line in the Bitcoin community. The debate over BIP-110 and the broader philosophy of Bitcoin maximalism is fundamentally about governance and identity. While preserving the foundational principles that made Bitcoin revolutionary is paramount, the accusation that this preservation has morphed into a counterproductive religious ideology carries significant weight. The path forward likely requires balancing unwavering commitment to security and decentralization with a pragmatic openness to innovation, whether on Layer 1 or Layer 2. The resolution of this Bitcoin BIP-110 conflict will not only determine a technical outcome but also signal whether the community can navigate growth without succumbing to dogma. The health of the entire network may depend on its ability to engage in constructive, rather than confrontational, dialogue about its future. FAQs Q1: What is BIP-110? BIP-110 is a Bitcoin Improvement Proposal that suggests adding a native Peer-to-Peer Encrypted Transport Layer to the network’s protocol. Its goal is to enhance the privacy and security of communication between Bitcoin nodes. Q2: Who is Wang Chun and why is his opinion important? Wang Chun is the co-founder of F2Pool, one of the world’s largest Bitcoin mining pools by hash rate. As a major miner, his views carry weight because miners are responsible for securing the network and signaling support for protocol upgrades. Q3: What is Bitcoin maximalism? Bitcoin maximalism is a belief that Bitcoin is the only legitimate and necessary cryptocurrency. Maximalists typically argue that other digital assets are inferior, unnecessary, or even harmful, and that all value and innovation should accrue to the Bitcoin ecosystem. Q4: What are Layer 2 solutions? Layer 2 solutions are secondary frameworks or protocols built on top of a blockchain (Layer 1). For Bitcoin, the primary example is the Lightning Network, which enables fast, cheap micropayments by handling transactions off the main chain and settling periodically. Q5: How does this debate affect ordinary Bitcoin users? This debate influences the direction of Bitcoin’s development. If innovation is stifled, users may not see improvements in transaction speed, cost, or functionality. Conversely, if changes are made recklessly, it could compromise the security and stability that users rely on. The outcome shapes the utility and value proposition of Bitcoin itself. This post Bitcoin BIP-110 Debate Erupts as F2Pool Co-founder Condemns Dangerous Ideological Shift first appeared on BitcoinWorld .

20 Mar 2026, 06:05

AUD/JPY Price Forecast: Bullish Momentum Surges Above Critical 100-Day EMA

BitcoinWorld AUD/JPY Price Forecast: Bullish Momentum Surges Above Critical 100-Day EMA The AUD/JPY currency pair demonstrates significant technical strength in early 2025, consistently trading above its pivotal 100-day Exponential Moving Average. This sustained bullish momentum reflects complex interactions between Australian economic resilience and shifting Japanese monetary policy. Consequently, traders globally monitor this cross for signals about broader Asia-Pacific market sentiment and commodity currency flows. AUD/JPY Technical Analysis and 100-Day EMA Significance Technical analysts consider the 100-day Exponential Moving Average a crucial medium-term trend indicator. The AUD/JPY pair decisively broke above this level in late 2024. Moreover, the pair has established multiple higher lows since that breakout. This price action confirms underlying buyer commitment. For instance, the 100-day EMA currently provides dynamic support near 98.50. Several complementary indicators reinforce the bullish structure. Firstly, the Relative Strength Index maintains a reading between 55 and 65. This indicates sustained momentum without overbought conditions. Secondly, moving average convergence divergence shows a positive histogram above its signal line. Additionally, average directional index readings above 25 confirm a established trend. Key resistance and support levels define the trading range. Immediate resistance resides near the 101.80 psychological level. Conversely, strong support clusters around the 99.20 confluence zone. This zone combines the 100-day EMA with a previous swing high. Therefore, any pullback toward this area likely attracts renewed buying interest. Chart Pattern and Volume Confirmation Market participants observe a developing ascending channel pattern. This pattern features a series of higher highs and higher lows. Trading volume patterns provide further validation. Notably, volume expands during upward price movements. Conversely, volume contracts during minor retracements. This classic volume profile supports the continuation of the current trend. Fundamental Drivers Behind AUD/JPY Strength Fundamental economic factors provide the foundation for this technical outlook. The Australian dollar benefits from several supportive conditions. Australia’s export sector remains robust, driven by strong demand for key commodities. Iron ore and liquefied natural gas exports continue generating substantial trade surpluses. Furthermore, the Reserve Bank of Australia maintains a relatively hawkish policy stance compared to global peers. Domestic economic data shows resilience despite global headwinds. Employment figures consistently exceed expectations. Meanwhile, inflation metrics gradually approach the RBA’s target band. Service sector activity demonstrates particular strength. These conditions reduce expectations for near-term interest rate cuts. Consequently, Australia’s yield advantage persists. Japanese yen dynamics equally influence the currency pair. The Bank of Japan maintains ultra-accommodative monetary policy. However, market speculation about eventual policy normalization creates volatility. Recent commentary from BOJ officials suggests cautious optimism about wage growth. Nevertheless, substantial policy divergence remains between the RBA and BOJ. Commodity Price Correlation and Risk Sentiment The Australian dollar maintains its traditional correlation with commodity prices. Iron ore prices stabilize above critical support levels. Copper and gold prices also show upward momentum. This commodity complex support bolsters the currency’s fundamental appeal. Additionally, global risk sentiment improves as central banks approach policy inflection points. Risk-on environments typically benefit commodity currencies like the Australian dollar. Simultaneously, these conditions pressure the Japanese yen as a traditional safe-haven asset. This dual dynamic amplifies AUD/JPY movements during sentiment shifts. Recent weeks show increased correlation with equity market performance, particularly in Asian trading sessions. Comparative Central Bank Policy Analysis Monetary policy divergence represents a primary driver for currency pair movements. The following table summarizes key policy differences between the Reserve Bank of Australia and the Bank of Japan: Policy Aspect Reserve Bank of Australia Bank of Japan Policy Rate 4.35% (as of Q1 2025) -0.10% (as of Q1 2025) Yield Curve Control Not Applicable Effectively Abandoned Inflation Target 2-3% 2% (Sustainable) Recent Guidance Hawkish Bias Ultra-Dovish Next Meeting Focus Services Inflation Wage Growth Data This substantial policy gap creates powerful interest rate differentials. These differentials directly influence capital flows between the two currencies. International investors seek higher yields available in Australian dollar-denominated assets. Meanwhile, Japanese investors continue their search for overseas returns through carry trade strategies. Carry Trade Dynamics and Institutional Flows The AUD/JPY pair remains a favored vehicle for carry trade operations. Investors borrow Japanese yen at minimal interest rates. Subsequently, they convert these funds into higher-yielding Australian dollars. This activity generates consistent demand for the Australian currency. However, carry trades remain sensitive to volatility spikes and sudden risk aversion. Institutional positioning data reveals notable trends. Commitment of Traders reports show hedge funds maintaining net long AUD/JPY positions. Asset managers similarly increase exposure to Australian dollar assets. Japanese retail traders, known as Mrs. Watanabe, demonstrate renewed interest in the pair. These collective flows provide underlying support during technical corrections. Geopolitical and Seasonal Considerations Regional geopolitical developments influence both currencies differently. Australia strengthens economic ties with Southeast Asian nations. New trade agreements facilitate increased export volumes. Meanwhile, Japan navigates complex relationships with major trading partners. Currency intervention remains a potential tool for Japanese authorities, though recent rhetoric suggests tolerance for gradual yen weakness. Seasonal patterns historically affect the currency pair. The Australian dollar often experiences strength during the first quarter. This pattern correlates with commodity contract negotiations and fiscal year considerations. Japanese fiscal year-end repatriation flows typically conclude by early April. Consequently, the second quarter may see reduced yen-supportive flows. Climate factors also warrant monitoring. Australia’s agricultural exports depend on favorable weather conditions. Recent rainfall patterns improve crop yield prospects. Conversely, Japan’s manufacturing sector faces energy supply considerations. These fundamental differences create asymmetric responses to climate-related developments. Technical Price Targets and Risk Management Analysts identify several key price levels for monitoring. The immediate bullish target resides at the 102.50 region. This level represents the 61.8% Fibonacci retracement of the 2023 decline. A sustained break above this resistance would open the path toward 104.00. However, traders must implement prudent risk management strategies. Potential downside risks include several scenarios. First, unexpected dovish shifts from RBA communication could undermine support. Second, sudden BOJ policy normalization would strengthen the yen dramatically. Third, deteriorating global risk sentiment typically pressures commodity currencies. Therefore, position sizing should account for these possibilities. Conclusion The AUD/JPY price forecast remains constructive while the pair maintains position above the 100-day EMA. Technical indicators align with fundamental drivers to support continued bullish momentum. However, traders should monitor central bank communications and global risk sentiment closely. The currency pair’s trajectory will ultimately reflect the evolving policy divergence between Australia and Japan. Consequently, the 100-day EMA serves as a critical barometer for medium-term trend health. FAQs Q1: What does trading above the 100-day EMA indicate for AUD/JPY? The 100-day Exponential Moving Average represents a key medium-term trend indicator. Trading consistently above this level suggests sustained bullish momentum and buyer dominance in the market. Q2: How does Australian monetary policy affect AUD/JPY? The Reserve Bank of Australia maintains higher interest rates than the Bank of Japan. This policy divergence creates yield advantages that attract capital flows into Australian dollar assets, supporting AUD/JPY appreciation. Q3: What fundamental factors support Australian dollar strength? Strong commodity exports, resilient domestic employment, persistent trade surpluses, and relatively hawkish central bank policy collectively support the Australian dollar’s fundamental outlook. Q4: Why is the Japanese yen currently weak? The Bank of Japan maintains ultra-accommodative monetary policy with negative interest rates. This creates substantial policy divergence with other major central banks, encouraging carry trades that pressure the yen. Q5: What are the key risk factors for the AUD/JPY bullish forecast? Primary risks include unexpected RBA dovishness, sudden BOJ policy normalization, deterioration in global risk sentiment, sharp commodity price declines, or geopolitical events affecting Asia-Pacific trade flows. This post AUD/JPY Price Forecast: Bullish Momentum Surges Above Critical 100-Day EMA first appeared on BitcoinWorld .

20 Mar 2026, 06:00

HYPE (briefly) hits $10 billion, flips ADA to enter crypto’s top 10 – Details

The platform is moving fast, with price gains and product expansion.

20 Mar 2026, 06:00

India Gold Price Today Soars: Bitcoin World Data Reveals Significant Market Shift

BitcoinWorld India Gold Price Today Soars: Bitcoin World Data Reveals Significant Market Shift Gold prices in India demonstrated notable strength today, according to the latest market data compiled by Bitcoin World. The precious metal’s upward movement reflects complex global and domestic economic currents. Consequently, investors and market observers are closely monitoring these developments for broader financial implications. This analysis provides a comprehensive examination of the current price action, its historical context, and the fundamental drivers at play. India Gold Price Today Shows Upward Momentum Data from Bitcoin World indicates a clear rise in the domestic price of gold across major Indian markets. This movement is significant for several key reasons. Firstly, gold holds immense cultural and economic importance in India. Secondly, price fluctuations directly impact millions of households, jewelers, and investors. The current increase aligns with observable patterns in international bullion markets, yet local factors like import duties and currency exchange rates create a distinct pricing environment. Market analysts note that this uptick follows a period of relative consolidation, suggesting a potential shift in trader sentiment. Several immediate factors contribute to this price movement. Global geopolitical tensions often enhance gold’s appeal as a safe-haven asset. Simultaneously, domestic demand patterns, particularly ahead of the upcoming wedding season, exert upward pressure on prices. The Indian Rupee’s performance against the US Dollar also plays a critical role, as India imports the majority of its gold. When the rupee weakens, the landed cost of gold increases, which is typically passed on to consumers. Today’s data from Bitcoin World captures the net effect of these intersecting forces. Historical Context and Market Cycles Understanding today’s price requires a view of historical trends. Gold in India has experienced both dramatic rallies and prolonged corrections over the past decade. For instance, the post-pandemic period saw record highs, followed by a corrective phase. The current rise may signal the early stages of a new cyclical uptrend, or it could represent a short-term technical rebound. Seasoned commodity experts, like those cited in Bitcoin World’s analysis, compare current metrics to long-term averages and volatility indices. This comparison helps distinguish between noise and a meaningful trend change. Historical data shows that Indian gold demand remains remarkably resilient, often absorbing price increases due to its non-discretionary status in savings and ceremonies. Analyzing the Bitcoin World Data Methodology Bitcoin World, while known for cryptocurrency coverage, provides robust commodities data by aggregating prices from major Indian bullion associations and exchanges. Their methodology typically involves: Real-time aggregation: Collecting live prices from centers in Mumbai, Delhi, Chennai, and Ahmedabad. Standardization: Quoting prices for 24-karat gold per 10 grams, a standard retail metric. Inclusion of premiums: Factoring in local making charges, taxes, and dealer margins to reflect consumer prices. This approach offers a practical snapshot of what consumers actually pay, rather than just the international spot price. The reported rise today is therefore a reflection of the on-ground market reality. Furthermore, their charts track intraday movements, revealing whether the rise was steady or volatile. Such granular data is invaluable for traders making timing decisions and for economists assessing market liquidity and sentiment. Global Drivers Impacting Local Prices The international gold market sets the foundational price. Key global drivers currently include central bank policies, particularly from the US Federal Reserve. Interest rate expectations directly influence the opportunity cost of holding non-yielding gold. Additionally, macroeconomic indicators like inflation reports and bond yields create waves across all precious metals markets. When these global factors align positively, as they appear to have done, the momentum transmits to Indian markets. However, the transmission is not one-to-one. The Government of India’s import duty, currently a significant component of the final price, acts as a permanent premium. Any change in this duty structure can immediately alter domestic prices irrespective of international movement. Impact on Different Market Participants The rising gold price creates a varied impact across the ecosystem. For retail consumers and jewelry buyers, higher prices may delay purchases or reduce the weight of items bought. Conversely, for investors holding physical gold or sovereign gold bonds (SGBs), the rise boosts portfolio value. Jewelers and bullion dealers face a dual effect: inventory gains on existing stock but potential demand softening from price-sensitive customers. The agricultural community, which often uses gold as a store of wealth, may see an increase in rural liquidity and borrowing power against gold collateral. This dynamic can stimulate local economic activity in certain regions. The following table summarizes the immediate effects: Participant Primary Impact Typical Reaction Retail Consumer Higher purchase cost May postpone buying or buy less Gold Investor Portfolio appreciation May hold or book partial profits Jeweler Inventory value up, demand uncertainty Adjust pricing and marketing Rural Household Increased collateral value Potential for higher credit access Expert Perspectives on Sustainability Financial analysts caution against interpreting a single day’s movement as a definitive trend. Experts from leading financial institutions often emphasize the need to observe follow-through buying. They look for confirmation over several trading sessions and across different volume metrics. The consensus from recent commentary suggests that while the fundamentals for gold remain supportive, prices may face resistance at higher levels. Technical analysts point to key price levels that, if breached, could indicate the start of a stronger rally. The data from Bitcoin World provides the raw material for these expert assessments, but the interpretation requires deeper market knowledge and experience. Comparison with Other Asset Classes Today’s rise in gold also invites comparison with other investment avenues. Equity markets, fixed income, and digital assets like Bitcoin often compete for the same investment capital. Recently, the performance correlation between gold and these assets has shifted. Traditionally, gold has a low or negative correlation with equities, making it a good portfolio diversifier. If gold is rising while equities are stagnant or falling, it reinforces its safe-haven status. Observing these relative performances helps investors allocate assets strategically. The fact that a platform named Bitcoin World is reporting on gold highlights the interconnected nature of modern asset markets, where investors routinely cross-analyze traditional and alternative investments. The Role of Monetary Policy and Inflation Inflation remains a paramount concern for gold markets. As a tangible asset, gold is historically perceived as a hedge against currency debasement and rising prices. Central banks, including the Reserve Bank of India (RBI), monitor inflation closely. Their policy responses influence real interest rates, which are a critical determinant of gold’s attractiveness. When real rates are low or negative, gold becomes more appealing because the cost of holding it (foregone interest) is reduced. Current macroeconomic data suggests that inflationary pressures, while moderating, have not fully abated. This environment continues to provide a foundational support level for gold prices, both globally and in India. Conclusion The India gold price today has shown a definitive increase, as captured by Bitcoin World data. This movement is not an isolated event but the result of converging global economic forces, domestic demand factors, and currency dynamics. While daily fluctuations are common, understanding the underlying drivers provides valuable insight for consumers, investors, and policymakers. The precious metal’s role in the Indian financial landscape remains profound, acting as a savings vehicle, a cultural cornerstone, and a strategic investment. Monitoring reliable data sources is essential for navigating this important market. FAQs Q1: What does Bitcoin World data show about today’s gold price in India? Bitcoin World data indicates a rise in the domestic gold price, reflecting aggregated real-time prices from major Indian bullion markets including making charges and taxes. Q2: Why is the gold price in India different from the international price? The Indian price includes import duties (currently a significant government levy), customs charges, local taxes (GST), dealer margins, and making charges for jewelry, creating a premium over the international spot price. Q3: What are the main factors causing gold prices to rise? Key factors include global geopolitical uncertainty, currency exchange rates (INR/USD), domestic demand seasons (like weddings), central bank policy expectations, and inflation concerns. Q4: How does the rupee’s value affect the gold price in India? Since India imports most of its gold, a weaker Indian Rupee against the US Dollar increases the rupee cost of importing bullion, leading to higher domestic prices. Q5: Should investors buy gold during a price rise? Investment decisions should be based on individual financial goals, risk tolerance, and portfolio strategy. Consulting a certified financial advisor is recommended, as buying during a rally can involve higher entry points. This post India Gold Price Today Soars: Bitcoin World Data Reveals Significant Market Shift first appeared on BitcoinWorld .

20 Mar 2026, 06:00

XRP Still In Danger Zone Without This Key Breakout: Analyst

A price zone that held as a floor throughout all of 2025 is now blocking XRP from recovering. The $1.80 level — once a reliable support — flipped to resistance in January 2026, and the token has not come close to reclaiming it since. Until it does, one analyst says XRP remains “in deep trouble.” Related Reading: Bitcoin Stalls Near $75K As Traders Move Coins To Exchanges A Channel Break That Changed Everything For most of last year, XRP traded inside a large parallel channel with a ceiling near $3.45 and a floor around $1.80. The token stayed within those boundaries even as its price started slipping after hitting an all-time high of $3.60 in July 2025. Lower highs and lower lows piled up through the fourth quarter, but $1.80 held. Then January came. XRP closed the month below that level for the first time, and it has not looked back. The $1.80 floor became a ceiling, and every attempt to push higher has run into that wall. If I zoom out, I still see $XRP in deep trouble. It is clearly downtrending with a series of lower lows and lower highs, and above all, it is still below that key level at $1.80. As long as we don’t break this downtrend, we could expect that “no support zone” to be filled. pic.twitter.com/mNuF8O8LWo — Sjuul | AltCryptoGems (@AltCryptoGems) March 18, 2026 Analyst Sjuul of the AltCryptoGems channel laid out the situation in a recent market breakdown. Zooming out to the daily chart, he pointed to the pattern of lower lows and lower highs that has defined XRP’s price action since the July peak — a structure that leaves the broader downtrend fully intact regardless of short-term bounces. A 15% Rally That Still Went Nowhere XRP did manage a stretch of gains between March 9 and 16 — seven up days out of eight, its best run since September 2025. The token climbed 15% during that window, reclaiming $1.50 and closing at $1.54 on March 16. But the rally stalled almost immediately. A push toward $1.60 ran into resistance at $1.6074 earlier this week, and XRP has since pulled back on three consecutive days, now trading around $1.46. The recovery, impressive as it briefly looked, never came anywhere near $1.80. For context, XRP had dropped to $1.27 on February 28 during the initial market reaction to the Israel-Iran conflict before clawing back above $1.50. The March rally was largely a rebound from that low — not a trend reversal. Related Reading: Ripple’s $500M Raise And Institutional Ties Keep XRP Firmly In Place Two Scenarios, One Number Sjuul sees the path forward as straightforward. XRP either reclaims $1.80 and pushes back inside the parallel channel — invalidating the bearish setup — or it doesn’t, and the downside risk grows sharply. The level he flags on the downside is the $1.20 to $1.30 zone. That area offered no resistance during XRP’s explosive November 2024 rally, which is what analysts call a “no support zone” — a price range the market blew through so fast that few buyers established positions there. Since that rally, the zone has acted as a cushion during dips. If $1.80 continues to hold as resistance, Sjuul suggests XRP could fall back toward that range. Featured image from Unsplash, chart from TradingView